Logo

Sobriety, Fitness, Gratitude: The Tools That Built Michael Chernow’s Life

en

January 27, 2025

TLDR: In this episode of Pursuit of Wellness, host Mari interviews Michael Chernow, founder of Creatures of Habit, about his journey from addiction to becoming a successful entrepreneur. They discuss his recovery through discipline, fitness, and nutrition, as well as gut health, daily habits, balance, prayer, gratitude, and finding personal growth.

1Ask AI

In Episode 169 of the Pursuit of Wellness Podcast, host Maureen O'Lellan engages in a profoundly inspiring conversation with Michael Chernow, founder of Creatures of Habit. Michael shares his life journey from addiction to entrepreneurship, emphasizing how discipline, nutrition, and fitness have transformed his life. This episode dives into critical topics such as gut health, daily routines, and the importance of gratitude and prayer.

Key Topics Discussed

Michael’s Journey Overcoming Addiction

  • Early Struggles: Michael shares how he was predisposed to addiction, citing a rough childhood and the escape he found in substances.
  • Transition to Sobriety: After a near-fatal heroin overdose, he embraced sobriety, spurred by a significant conversation with a mentor who believed in him.

Role of Wellness in Recovery

  • Foundation of Change: Michael emphasizes that change is possible for anyone, using his journey as proof.
  • Exercise as a Tool: Fitness played a pivotal role in his recovery, leading him to practice Muay Thai, which allowed him to redirect destructive energy toward positive outcomes.

Importance of Daily Habits

  • Morning Routine: Michael shares his structured morning routine:

    • Make your bed
    • Pray for guidance
    • Exercise, starting with push-ups
    • Healthy breakfast: a filling bowl of oatmeal
  • Three C's Framework: Commitment, Confidence, and Courage are vital components of his daily practices that lead to long-term wellness.

Nutrition and Gut Health

  • Gut Health Focus: Michael discusses the significance of gut health and his current gut cleanse journey, demonstrating how it intertwines with overall wellness.
  • Creatures of Habit: His brand focuses on nutritious breakfasts, specifically protein-packed oatmeal, aligning with his passion for health and wellness.

The Power of Gratitude and Prayer

  • Spiritual Component: Michael believes in the power of prayer—not just for religious reasons, but as a tool for asking for help.
  • Contribution to Happiness: He highlights the relationship between wellness practices, a supportive community, and overall joy in life.

Entrepreneurship and Business Philosophy

  • Restaurant Ventures: Michael reflects on his past successes with significant restaurant chains, including The Meatball Shop and Seamore's, illustrating his transition into the food industry as part of his recovery journey.
  • Creatures of Habit: His current venture promotes well-being through healthy eating, which evolved from his personal experiences and dedication to wellness.

Practical Takeaways

  • Small Steps Matter: Michael emphasizes making small, intentional changes in daily habits for lasting transformation.
  • Wellness is Personal: Wellness looks different for everyone, and it is about what works best for your body and mind.
  • Stay Committed: Endurance is crucial—many people quit when challenges arise. Michael's story exemplifies how perseverance can lead to rich, fulfilling outcomes.

Final Thoughts

  • Balance & Boundaries: For Michael, wellness is about balance, recognizing that you can't achieve everything at once. Setting boundaries is key.
  • Impactful Community: He stresses the importance of community in recovery and wellness, emphasizing collaboration, support, and openness to ask for help.

Conclusion

Michael Chernow's story is a testament to the power of resilience and the significant role that discipline, fitness, gratitude, and community play in healing. His insights provide a roadmap for anyone looking to make lasting changes in their lives, proving that transformation is always possible.

Was this summary helpful?

Recent Episodes

Girl Chat w/ Fi: Dating, Ozempic, New Job & Austin Life

Girl Chat w/ Fi: Dating, Ozempic, New Job & Austin Life

Pursuit of Wellness

Ep. 172: On today’s Girl Chat, Fi is back, and there’s a lot to catch up on! We get into her big career move, the relationship lessons she’s finally ready to share, and the mysterious trip she won’t spill about. Plus, I open up about how IVF has been consuming my headspace and why I’ve had to step back from certain commitments. It’s an honest, intimate conversation about where we’re at, what’s next, and how we’re learning to trust the process. Leave Me a Message - click here! For Mari’s Instagram click here! For Pursuit of Wellness Podcast’s Instagram click here! For Mari’s Newsletter click here! For Fi’s Instagram click here! Sponsored By: Upgrade your oral health with the new quip 360 oscillating toothbrush—designed for a superior clean without the hassle. Get 20% off sitewide, plus a FREE travel case and countertop stand, exclusively at GETQUIP.com/POW. Free your mouth today! Wake up with better skin, healthier hair, and the best sleep ever with Blissy’s award-winning pillowcases. Get an extra 30% off with code POWPOD at blissy.com/POWPOD—your skin and hair will thank you! Check out SKIMS best intimates including the Fits Everybody Collection and more at SKIMS.com #skimspartner After you place your order, be sure to let them know we sent you! Save 20% on AquaTru water purifiers at AquaTru.com with code POW and enjoy cleaner, better-tasting water with every sip. Show Links: Juicy Orange is the newest (and most delicious) flavor of Bloom’s Sparkling Energy drink. Try it today! Topics Discussed 00:00:09 Welcome 00:00:34 No headspace for guest interviews  00:01:53 Fi is getting her real estate license  00:08:38 Mari’s update  00:11:29 Fi is dating 00:12:58 Call Her Daddy x Rachael Kirkconell interview 00:16:58 What Fi is looking for in a new relationship 00:21:00 Women are pressured to prove themselves 00:21:54 Why do women have to be so perfect? 00:23:01 You can’t change people 00:24:18 The ideal partner/relationship for Fi post-break up 00:28:22 Is Fi still taking semaglutide? 00:33:16 Fi taking ballet classes 00:36:59 Mari’s western riding 00:37:52 Spoon metaphor 00:38:51 Mari and Fi’s current friendship 00:42:25 Mari and Fi were working too much 00:50:26 Austin girl trip recommendations 00:51:37 Mari’s praying journey

February 06, 2025

Solo Q&A: IVF Results, Baby Names, Home Cooking Tips, and My Favorite Snacks

Solo Q&A: IVF Results, Baby Names, Home Cooking Tips, and My Favorite Snacks

Pursuit of Wellness

Ep. 171: In today’s solo episode, I’m answering your community Q&A, covering everything from fitness routines and nutrition to IVF updates and personal growth. I share my current workout split, favorite healthy habits, and how I structure my days between the podcast and Bloom. We also get into fun topics like my go-to nail color, thoughts on living abroad, and even a little baby name talk. Plus, I open up about faith, mental well-being, and learning to balance ambition with self-care. Leave Me a Message - click here! For Mari’s Instagram click here! For Pursuit of Wellness Podcast’s Instagram click here! For Mari’s Newsletter click here! Sponsored By: For a limited time, Wildgrain is offering our listeners $30 off the first box - PLUS free Croissants in every box - when you go to Wildgrain.com/POW to start your subscription. Get 40% at CozyEarth.com when you use code PURSUIT. And don’t forget— this weekend, February 7-9, use my exclusive code PURSUITBOGO to get free bamboo pajamas when you buy one for your loved one! They deserve this, and so do you. Start the new year off right with Honeylove. Get 20% OFF by going to HoneyLove.com/POW! #honeylovepod Take the next step to improving your health! Go to Lumen.me/POW to get 20% off your Lumen. Show Links: Fuel your gut health with the greens that started it all—shop Greens & Superfoods now! Topics Discussed 00:00:09 Introduction 00:01:33 In-depth workout routine 00:02:28 Go-to nail shape and color  00:02:48 Small steps to start eating cleaner 00:03:42 Current hyperfixation snacks/lunch  00:04:24 Are you considering a home birth? 00:04:41 How to increase HRV?  00:05:09 Has your faith shifted? 00:09:25 Who is your best friend? 00:09:48 Best areas in Austin to live in mid 20s? 00:10:14 Sourdough recipe and process 00:10:58 How do you structure your week between podcasts and Bloom responsibilities? 00:12:11 Clean household cleaning products 00:12:23 Do you ever use a microwave? 00:12:53 Do you ever see yourself living abroad? 00:13:46 Should I eat breakfast in the morning? 00:14:14 Benefits of being dairy free? 00:14:48 Did you test your embryos? 00:16:39 Skincare before or after working out?  00:16:50 Does Fiona still live in Austin? 00:17:09 Natural deodorant brands  00:17:30 Do you have your horses on your property? 00:18:41 Plastic surgery 00:19:02 Drinking alcohol during weight loss journey 00:22:56 Lulu’s park 00:24:08 What happened to your old horse? 00:26:18 Where did you and Greg honeymoon? 00:27:25: Current favorite TV show 00:27:36 Baby names 00:28:45 Would you ever open up a fitness studio? 00:28:53 Diet while trying to conceive 00:29:50 NFL 00:30:08 How did you and Greg learn to relax again after building Bloom?

February 03, 2025

My IVF Experience & Results: Real & Unfiltered

My IVF Experience & Results: Real & Unfiltered

Pursuit of Wellness

In Ep. 170 of Pursuit of Wellness, Mari shares her journey and unexpected challenges during IVF, including running out of medication, hormone crashes, and fainting post-retrieval. She discusses emotional rollercoasters, practical steps taken to stay organized, and navigating IVF as a couple. Advice is given for those considering IVF without a partner, the costs involved, and some logistics like genetic testing on embryos and fresh vs frozen transfer.

January 30, 2025

Top Tips For Starting A Business: How We Started Bloom

Top Tips For Starting A Business: How We Started Bloom

Pursuit of Wellness

Greg and Mari share their journey of turning a scrappy startup into Bloom, a thriving wellness business, discuss lessons learned, mistakes made, and tips for starting your own business, and reflect on their story from selling PDF workout guides and resistance bands to scaling into a wellness powerhouse with millions sold.

January 23, 2025

AI

Ask this episodeAI Anything

Pursuit of Wellness

Hi! You're chatting with Pursuit of Wellness AI.

I can answer your questions from this episode and play episode clips relevant to your question.

You can ask a direct question or get started with below questions -

Sign In to save message history